The first Van Andel Institute Public Lecture featured researchers who are on the frontlines in the search for more effective Parkinson’s disease treatments.

Attendees heard about a groundbreaking study published by Van Andel Institute scientists this fall. This study found that the appendix may be a potential starting point for Parkinson’s. These findings hold new clues to the disease’s earliest stages, how it progresses, and how it might be stopped using new, targeted therapies. For the more than 60,000 people in the United States who will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s this year, and the seven to 10 million people worldwide who have Parkinson’s, this new information could be game changing.

Guests heard directly from part of the team that was responsible for this new discovery, and were able to ask questions directly to Parkinson’s researchers.

This event was the first in a new public lecture series at Van Andel Institute. Be on the lookout for more information about our next one!

ABOUT VAI

Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute is committed to improving the health and changing the lives of current and future generations, through biomedical research and science education.